Cebu City given 5 days ultimatum to get permit

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City government has sent a “final demand” letter for Cebu City government to secure a business permit for its slaughterhouse operation at the North Reclamation Area.

Mandaue City Treasurer Regal Oliva said the Cebu City slaughter house has continued operating despite prior notice of violation dated July 30, 2015. Oliva has given the Cebu City government five working days to comply.

“This final demand is served upon you to submit the regulatory requirements within a non-extendable period of five working days from receipt hereof in order to secure the necessary Business Permit/License on the abovementioned establishment,” the letter read.

 “Non-compliance therewith will constrain us to refer the matter to the City Legal Office, for immediate cessation and closure of business,” it added. The letter was received by the Cebu City Administrator yesterday morning.

Cebu City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said she will forward the letter to the City Legal Office. Last year, the Mandaue City government demanded payment of P1.8 million in accumulated real property taxes representing the 13 years operation of the slaughterhouse.

The amount includes the P383,806.74 for the land occupied by the slaughterhouse and P1,587,123.51 for the building.

“Mag-send gyod ta og reply kay atong position is wala gyod tay bayranan nila,” Mercado said.

Oliva said the operation of the slaughterhouse without business permit is considered “illegal” under the Revised Omnibus Tax Ordinance of Mandaue City.

Cebu City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas, however, said she will seek an opinion from Commission on Audit on the matter.

“They are asking us to secure a mayor’s permit. Kay ang ilaha, ang modern abattoir is economic enterprise and as such, subject to permit because the place, naa sa ilang jurisdiction,” she said.

Cuevas said Cebu City is willing to pay and secure the permit, if it is allowed under existing laws, adding that she will consult with the City Attorney before acting on it.

The Mandaue City government has threatened legal actions against Cebu City if it continues to insist on not paying its tax dues. — (FREEMAN)